The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has directed a comprehensive and urgent investigation into allegations of inhumane treatment and poor feeding of inmates at Afokang Custodial Centre in Calabar, Cross River state.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Babatunde Alao, on Sunday.
TheFact Daily reports that a recent video report circulating on Facebook claims that inmates at the Custodial Centre are being subjected to inhumane conditions, including being served inadequately prepared beans for breakfast.
A Facebook post by Agba Jalingo reads: I thought we saw the worst in Afokang prison. But it is actually getting more horrible in there now.
This is what authorities are now serving inmates in Afokang prison Calabar.
This is beans for breakfast. You can notice that the beans is even still raw. This was their breakfast yesterday. This is what is served to human beings that are presumed innocent until proven guilty”, with videos of the dished food.
Another post by Edom Oden Obeten reads: Life in the other side of AFOKANG PRISON: This is the garri and soup that Afokang prison inmates are served as lunch. One tomato cup of garri and that dirty water there (soup).
And you all know the budget for feeding inmates in prison?”, also with pictures of the food.
“The Minister views this incident as a serious breach of the standards of care and dignity to which inmates are entitled”, Alao said, adding the Minister’s warning that any lapses in the quality of food, sanitation, and welfare of inmates will not be tolerated, and that the Service must ensure inmates are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Also also stated that, “the Minister of Interior will not condone any form of mistreatment or neglect of individuals in custody”, and that, “the findings of the investigation will be made public, and necessary disciplinary actions will be taken”.
